Microtonal techniques in contemporary zheng compositions: New techniques and soundscapes

Zhang Zhan and Lee Chie Tsang Isaiah (2024) Microtonal techniques in contemporary zheng compositions: New techniques and soundscapes. International Journal of Heritage, Art and Multimedia, 7. pp. 1-19. ISSN 2600-8262

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Abstract

Microtones are becoming increasingly prevalent in contemporary zheng signaling a significant shift in the instrument’s musical landscape. This trend is exemplified in five seminal works by Tang Jianping, Qin Wenchen, Zhu Lin, and Chaoming Tung, revealing how specific microtonal techniques redefine the expressive and technical parameters of this traditional Chinese plucked instrument. Unconventional tunings that deviate from the traditional pentatonic scale, alongside left-hand ornamentation such as pitch bending and sliding, and expanded timbral palettes utilizing harmonics and non-standard playing techniques, are central to this transformation. These techniques not only unlock new sonic landscapes but also imbue zheng music with nuanced emotional expression and melodic complexity, thereby transcending the limitations of traditional pentatonicism and equal temperament. The resulting musical language, imbued with microtonal inflections, resonates with contemporary aesthetic sensibilities while expanding the boundaries of traditional Chinese musical expression.

Item Type:	Article
Keyword:	Contemporary Compositions, Microtones, Zheng
Subjects:	M Music and Books on Music > MT Instruction and study > MT1-960 Instruction and study M Music and Books on Music > MT Instruction and study > MT1-960 Instruction and study > MT35-39 Notation
Department:	FACULTY > Academy of Arts and Creative Technology
Depositing User:	ABDULLAH BIN SABUDIN -
Date Deposited:	17 Mar 2025 11:00
Last Modified:	17 Mar 2025 11:00
URI:	https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/43196

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